“My Little Daughter Dorothy,” created by William Merritt Chase in 1894, is an oil on canvas portrait that measures 114.3 x 83.82 cm. This work is associated with the Impressionism movement and currently resides in a private collection. The artwork depicts a young girl, Dorothy, dressed in period attire.
In the artwork, a young girl, presumably Dorothy, is captured standing elegantly. She wears a bonnet and a full-length coat, both adorned with ruffled details, which convey a sense of innocence and charm. The soft hues and delicate brush strokes exhibit the artist’s characteristically impressionistic style, focusing on the play of light and texture. The background contains a lavishly framed painting, juxtaposing the child’s attire with the refined surroundings, and adding depth to the composition. The warm and inviting wooden floor renders a dynamic contrast to the gentle features of the young subject. Overall, the piece exemplifies Chase’s mastery in portraying intimate, everyday moments with a tender and impressionistic touch.
